The Simple Birth of a Majestic King

In 2013, Prince William and Princess Catherine gave birth to their firstborn son, George. The arrival of this child flooded newspapers, websites, social channels, and every other form of media known to man. From the moment it was announced that the Princess was with child, the world was on a non-stop watch for her every move. When George was born, he was treated to the finest hospital with the highest care and perhaps some of the most luxurious surroundings possible.

Even among the rest of world, the birth of a child usually takes place in somewhat of a clean yet comfortable location, designed to provide the right atmosphere for the struggle of childbirth. Nurses, doctors, or midwives are ready to step in, and there’s some type of medical equipment for any unforeseen circumstances. Whether you are royalty or part of the common folk, the birth of a child is a major event.

However, with the birth of Christ, his arrival at first seemed to come with as little fanfare as possible. Mary and Joseph had spent days traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and upon their arrival, this small town had no place to welcome them. It makes sense that Bethlehem would have been overcrowded because of the census, but in the midst of a culture based on honoring others through hospitality, it seems strange that not a single person offered them a room.

Having to make due with a stall for animals, Mary struggled through the birth of Jesus. We are not told if there was a midwife to help or if it was just her and Joseph. All we know is that when Jesus was born, there was nothing to wrap him in except for some swaddling clothes, linens that were often used to bury the dead. In addition, there was nowhere to place Jesus, so they found a common feeding trough and laid him there.

How striking is it that the King of the universe makes his arrival in a location that is anything but majestic, dignified, or even clean? At the same time, this is exactly how God works. Knowing the story, we will see in the next verse that there is a heavenly announcement made, unlike any announcement in royalty had ever received or would ever receive. The angels light up the sky and sing praises to Jesus.

Yet in this moment, there is no fanfare, and there are no trappings of royalty. It is common, and it is plain, and it is also one of the most beautiful and precious moments in the history of mankind.

In his Heidelberg Disputation, Martin Luther warned us that far too often we try to seek out God in the big, bright, and bold things of the world. We talk about the Majesty of God, and we try to re-create it in our achievements, leading only to self-centered pride.

However, when we really want to see God, when we really want to look at the face of our Creator, He manifests Himself in the plain and simple things. As Luther pointed out, we see God most clearly at the cross, suffering on our behalf.

Similarly, in this moment of Christ’s birth, we do not see God in the big, bright, and bold things of this world. In contrast, we witness Him in a humble stable, surrounded by animals yet ready to save the world.

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, let us not become lost in our attempt to look for God in the twinkling lights and festive gatherings. Instead, let’s spend time looking for Him in the plain and simple things of this world, asking Him to reveal Himself in new ways to us just as He revealed His Son, who was lying in a manger.

Prayer

Father, I thank You for who You are and how You speak to us. I know that You sit on Your throne in glory, surrounded by angels and majesty in ways that I can never comprehend. And yet You chose to send Your Son to dwell among us, abandoning all the pomp and circumstance.

Would You please reveal to my heart the ways in which I seek glory in the trappings of this world instead of seeking your face? Please show me how I can embrace the plain and the simple every day as a reflection of who You are and the gift of Your Son. Thank You for not sending Jesus to a palace I could never hope to enter. Thank You instead for sending him to a stable and inviting me to come and worship.

Amen.